Jayson Tatum and Patrick Mahomes Vie for New WNBA Franchise

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes are leading bids to bring the 16th WNBA team to St. Louis and Kansas City, respectively.

The WNBA plans to add its 16th franchise by 2028, with significant interest from cities including St. Louis and Kansas City.
Jayson Tatum is part of a group aiming to bring a WNBA team to St. Louis, leveraging a new NBA rule allowing players to own up to 4% of WNBA franchises.
Patrick Mahomes, alongside his wife Brittany, is also bidding for the franchise, representing Kansas City and expanding his sports ownership portfolio.
The bidding competition is fierce, with more than a dozen groups expected to contend, potentially driving the franchise cost over $200 million.
Increased interest in the WNBA is partly driven by rising viewership and recent high-profile media deals, enhancing the league's appeal to investors.